Florida A&M was down 20 players for last year’s football opener and might be down their entire team for this year’s.
The program suspended all football-related activities on Friday night after rapper Real Boston Richey filmed an unauthorized video in the team’s locker room containing explicit lyrics.
In an interview on Saturday morning, Simmons told the Tallahassee Democrat that it’s “too premature” to talk about any potential fallout any further until the team has a “better understanding” on exactly how the Florida A&M locker room was utilized for the music video.
“We are trying to talk to the right people to do everything not only to cover ourselves, but the young man (rapper Real Boston Richey) in the video,” Simmons said. “There are some legal issues (with the release of the video).”
The video includes several Florida A&M players, and features Richey wearing a Florida A&M shirt and team helmets — which could violate licensing agreements.
“Earlier today, it was brought to my attention that a rap video was shot by a prominent rapper in the football locker room of Galimore-Powell Fieldhouse without proper authorization,” coach Willie Simmons said in a statement. “The video contained graphic language that is not consistent with Florida A&M’s core values, principles and beliefs and an internal investigation is underway to determine who authorized the use of not only the athletic facility at Galimore-Powell, but also licensed apparel that violates university branding and licensing agreements.
“Although I am a proud proponent of free speech and support all forms of musical expressions, this football team (as ambassadors of Florida A&M University) has a responsibility to protect the University’s image. As a result of this unfortunate situation, as head football coach I am effectively suspending all football-related activities until further notice.
“It is a privilege to wear the Orange and Green and as a football program, our young men have failed to live up to the standard set before us. We will all learn from this mishap and we will continue to work hard every day to become the best version of ourselves and continue to make Rattler Nation proud.”
Richey is from Tallahassee, Florida, home of Florida A&M, and performed before the team’s homecoming last season.
Simmons also noted that he’s been in contact with first-year Athletic Director Tiffani Dawn Skyes.
“It’s FAMU, it’s our brand, it’s our facility,” Simmons said. “Kids are going to be kids, but I am also trying to help them understand to be super mindful of your involvement and decisions. We will make a determination to address those (involved) individually or the entire team.”
This is not the first time FAMU has been in trouble ahead of its opener under Simmons, the head coach since 2018.
Last year, 20 players missed the game against North Carolina due to various eligibility issues, with FAMU dressing just seven offensive linemen. At the time, Simmons said players initially didn’t want to play the game — which they went on to lose 56-24 — but changed their minds.
Florida A&M opens the season against Jackson State on Sept. 3.
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